Sometimes it is hard to know what form of correspondence to employ (pun intended)

At this point, snail mail feels a bit dated, and will also just take longer. This leaves you with the phone or email.

Think about which might best play to your strengths.

Think about where you are most reachable.

Often times, the company culture will help determine which is most appropriate, so be sure and do your homework.

Don’t be afraid to use both – perhaps you might follow-up an introductory email with a phone call.

Customizing Correspondence

There are pros and pitfalls of customizing your correspondence

Of course you shouldn’t have a template for introductions, follow-up emails, and anything that requires a personal and individualized note. But resumes and certain cover letters are more of a gray area.

A cover letter should certainly include some detail about the specific position and the company to which you are applying, but this information could probably fit into a broader template.

If a template style is the route you choose to take, be absolutely sure that you check your work. Having written the wrong name, wrong company, or wrong job will likely be a deal breaker.

A customized resume can help you deliver a targeted message for a specific opportunity, but this can also be a time consuming and unnecessary process.

Use your head: if you’ve happened upon a huge opportunity, taking some time to customize your correspondence and really drive home your message could be well worth the effort. But if time is of the essence, sending in your “one size fits most” resume might be the way to go.